An opportunity for (press) freedom in Syria: the critical role of independent media
For the first time in thirteen years, Syria sees itself on the verge of freedom. The brutal reign of Assad has finally come to an end, and as the Syrian people are grappling with the impact of recent events, and the full scope of the horrors of Assad’s regime are coming to the surface, there is an opportunity for freedom. Our partners tell us: “We are citizens again because we are thinking about options.”
Free Press Unlimited has been investing in Syrians’ initiatives aimed to build independent and inclusive media in Syria since 2011. This long standing relationship with Syrian independent journalists has kept many on their feet, to continue the flow of reliable information to the Syrian people. The media worked with a public interest driven approach, making news that covered a diverse range of topics working past divisions like political affiliation and urban versus countryside, all aimed to build cohesion. They also had a crucial role in resisting the regime and to be ready for when an opportunity for change would come, so they can once again play their role in a free Syria. Namely: provide facts and a platform to people to ensure they will be heard by those in power.
The departure of Assad is celebrated, while we also closely monitor this new reality to learn what the limits, the opportunities and the possible new risks for independent media are. We received updates from over 10 partners’ who have been working inside and outside Syria. Most of them are now eager to put their foot back on the ground again, and keep delivering independent and fact based news and information in a free and safe way. Journalists associations like the Ethical Charter For Syrian Media, are calling journalists who could not join before because of the terror and oppression of Assad's police system, to become members and obey independent professional bylaws and ethical charters.
A historic time
This is a historic time where colleagues from outside and inside Syria will meet; where their family and loved ones rejoin, but also where many losses will be mourned. Especially now, it is incredibly important to give the Syrian audience the independent, non-partisan and relevant news they deserve.
While the whole society cries and calls for accountability, the independent media have a critical, ethical and professional role to play in promoting cohesion, preventing possible lynching, retaliation or hate speech among media and journalists and in society at large, and instead strongly promote justice and respect.
Documentation is essential
Now that the full scale of the horror of Assad’s regime comes to light with prisoners being freed and the inside of prisons shown to the world, it is essential to use and keep creating documentation to be able to hold people accountable. This data, with testimonies, footage, locations, are all incremental to be able to advocate for justice for the Syrian people. Next to many advocacy and legal organisations, independent media have been the eyes and ears of the Syrian massacre and violence in the last 13 years.
One of our trusted partners says: “Our work signifies our commitment to (re)-establishing a free press in a liberated Syria. Time is of the essence, and we must act swiftly to solidify our presence as the country embraces freedom for the first time in over five decades.”
Realism and experience with conflicts shows that to avoid new cycles of violence, media and civil society should act carefully, assessing the situation daily, showing empathy and keep contextualising the events that unfold. A just transition is crucial and the media's evidence based work is fundamental in this regard.
Support to recover and rebuild
Besides a moment to celebrate, there is also a lot to mourn. As our partners reorganise their work, they will be confronted with the reality of a 13 year violent dictatorial regime that has relentlessly cracked down on its citizens, especially anyone who dared to oppose it in any way, including the families of those who were critical. We are ready to support them with trauma response and psychosocial support. The other reality is that other forces, like Israel, are bombing parts of the country, creating great physical danger to any journalists reporting on these events. Also the position of Turkey presents a threat towards Kurds-populated areas, not helping the already existing Arabs-Kurds tensions. In all cases our emergency response team stands ready to support.
“This is a time of immense joy, reflection, and preparation for the road ahead: the rebuilding of our country.” - quote by one of our trusted partners
Syrian independent media organisations have already come together to publish a joint statement outlining a comprehensive vision for press freedom in post-Assad Syria.
Give Syrian media a chance
If we want press freedom and our independent partners to stand a chance in a new Syria, we need to act now. They need all the support they can get in this fragile transition that brings so much uncertainty. There is an opportunity, but it is fleeting. This is not just the end of something, it is the beginning of something. As Free Press Unlimited we are vigilant and at our partners' side, the side of ethical independent media. We know from experience, as we have seen in Iraq, Afghanistan, Myanmar or Sudan, that hopeful situations can change in a heartbeat. Our partners need to claim their place and purpose in Syrian society. This is not an easy task. We want to support them during this challenging time of transition.
